invent

verb

in·​vent in-ˈvent 

invented; inventing; invents

transitive verb

1

: to produce (something, such as a useful device or process) for the first time through the use of the imagination or of ingenious thinking and experiment

2

: to devise by thinking : fabricate

3

archaic : find, discover

inventor

in-ˈven-tər 

noun

inventress

in-ˈven-trəs 

noun

Synonyms of invent

• devise
• concoct
• construct

Examples of invent in a Sentence

Thomas Edison invented the phonograph.

She is credited with inventing a procedure that has helped to save thousands of lives.

She invented a clever excuse.

We found out that he had invented the stories he told us about his military service.

Recent Examples on the Web

Court papers say Doyle used a different first name while dealing with Matthiesen and continued to invent excuses after the painting had been sold, even falsely claiming the buyer had failed to pay him despite already receiving the money. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 29 June 2026

What the novels of William Faulkner and Ralph Ellison reveal about the soul of America • How Lewis and Clark invented the Western • Is Minneapolis the most literate city in America? — Literary Hub, 29 June 2026

The Standard Is Not New The mission operator model isn't a new concept invented by the AI era. — Gary Daemer, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

My top tip is watsu (a combination of water and shiatsu, invented in California, of course). — Horatio Clare, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin inventus, past participle of invenire to come upon, find, from in- + venire to come — more at come

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing invent

• co-invent

Rhymes for invent

• accent
• advent
• ascent
• assent
• augment
• cement
• consent
• dement
• descent
• detent
• dissent
• event

Kids Definition

invent

verb

in·​vent in-ˈvent 

1

: to think up : make up

invent an excuse

2

: to create or produce for the first time

invented a new game

inventor

-ˈvent-ər 

noun

Legal Definition

invent

transitive verb

in·​vent

: to create or produce for the first time

inventor noun